The next Corvette has arrived. For only the seventh time since the sports car first arrived sixty years ago, Chevrolet has pulled the cover off an all-new Corvette. And the latest version is lighter, faster, and more powerful than the model it replaces. One major change comes to the renowned sports car's name itself. According to Chevrolet, it's no longer just the Corvette. Instead, it's officially now the “Corvette Stingray.” That revives a name first used on the 1963 Corvette, which was named the “Sting Ray” after a 1950s racecar that inspired by the animal. But while the name may be a throwback, the rest of the car is all new. Chevy says the Corvette Stingray shares just two parts with its predecessor. They're certainly not exterior panels, as the new model looks very different from the old “C6.” Parts of the design are clearly evolutionary, with edges sharpened and dramatic creases added. But other details are totally new, like taillights that ditch the classic “four circle” shape and adopt the brand's current squared off design theme. Other major changes include removing the wraparound rear window – first seen in the early 1980s – and adding LED strips to the headlights. The Corvette is also all-new under the hood. While the new LT1 V8 engine displaces the same 6.2 liters as before, power jumps to 450 hp from last year's 430. Torque is also up, reaching 450 lb-ft instead of last year's 424. Driving purists will welcome the arrival of an all-new 7-speed manual transmission, which includes a rev-matching feature to assist with quick downshifts. A 6-speed automatic remains optional. And while Chevrolet hasn't announced the Corvette Stingray's curb weight, the brand promises the sports car will go from 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds with the available Z51 Performance Package. That makes it quicker than high-dollar rivals like the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Audi R8. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray also benefits from an overhauled interior. Chevy says the cabin was designed to appear more intimate and luxurious, with soft-touch materials throughout. New seats provide more bolstering, while aluminum trim and carbon fiber accents give it a sporty feel. A driver-facing center stack houses an available 3D navigation system, while stitched leather can be found nearly everywhere, from the dashboard to the center armrest. Like its predecessor, the Corvette Stingray also features a removable roof panel. But while the C6 Corvette's roof was painted body color, it's unpainted carbon fiber in the latest model. According to Chevrolet, the move to carbon fiber helps save weight. — SG
